Jungle Cruise people

[mergatroid]

Hi guys, just back from our 3 week trip to Orlando where we had a fantastic time visiting Disney whenever we wanted over that period. We did the Jungle Cruise a number of times this trip and as usual the enjoyment varied depending on the quality of the skipper. A question does spring to mind though and that is, has the skippers spiel changed much over the years?

I've been going since the mid 70's however as a kid I can't recall whether the spiel was pretty much the same, different or identical to what we have now? I certainly remember that it's always been corny with some terrible jokes, but I think that years ago the captains maybe adlibbed a bit more?

 

[mickeysbrother]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

 

[copcarguyp71]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

Whoa....really?

I do not have any memories of JC anytime before 1996. We love this ride and the cornier the better on the spiel the captains deliver. Nothing worse than a surly captain delivering a lackluster performance. Pulled off correctly a good skipper can garnish a rousing round of applause and whoops but a bad skipper just makes the whole thing almost painful. It seems like they are allowed a fair amount of "interpretation" in their script and I have heard the later in the evening you go the better it tends to be although some have said here that the captains have been going more by the script lately possibly due to too much "creativity".

 

[Nemo14]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

That sounds like a euphemism .......

 

[plaz10]

We rode twice this past trip - had one excellent skipper named Cathy. We also had a terrible skipper who's name I won't mention - but she was awful. The worst timing ever. Just seemed to be saying the script in order...no enthusiasm or anything. The jokes are corny - yes but I still find them funny...when delivered correctly. Wow I didn't know a skipper could be so bad!

The only jokes that stuck out in my mind that I remember from my 2011 trip that I didn't hear in 2012 were...

1 - "See that snake up there? Anyone know what it is? Starts with a P? (Someone yells out PYTHON) and he goes Nope - Plastic!"

2 - "If you've enjoyed your time here my name is "Alex" and this has been the Jungle Cruise. If you did not enjoy your time then I'm "Tim" and this has been the "Haunted Mansion." (Quotes for obviously putting in any name/ride)

I seem to remember another joke that he saw either snakes or some jungle animal and says "That reminds me of my favorite Disney movie! Anyone know what it is?" And people would guess "jungle book" or something and he says "No - Tron!"

 

[tink729]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

I had completely forgotten about that until I just read this!

 

[mamamouse]

my fave was the big plastic butterfly and the skipper would say they were his/her favorite species that's right plasticus machanicus and they're available at walmart for whatever price

 

[wdwfan22]

Our skipper last week sure didn't stick to the script and was downright offensive towards the end of the cruise. I've never been a fan of the jungle cruise for this reason right here. He did receive quite a few dirty looks and by the end of the ride everyone was ready to get it. It was also mid afternoon so we still had quite a few kids on board. I don't know if he was having a bad day or what, but there really is no cause for that type of behavior.

 

[docdebbi]

my biggest gripe isn't lack or enthusiasm or bad timing, but the inability to hear the skipper. several times i have had someone who seems to have not yet figured out how far to keep the mic from their mouth and it is complete garble.
not so bad for me, i have done this trip many times, but usually i am with someone who has never or rarely experienced it. so sad, they just don't get it, not a good experience for them. they leave feeling it is a terrible attraction, wouldn't want to do it again.

 

[Powerline]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

My skipper shot the hippo when I went in April.

 

[PhilharMagician]

My skipper shot the hippo when I went in April.

As far as I know they are not supposed too. They finally brought the guns back a few years ago and the CM's are supposed to shoot away from the hippo to scare it.

 

[Spikerdink]

I think 'shot the hippo' could become the new 'jumped the shark' for Disney fans.... I am getting a chuckle just reading that post.....

 

[Becky]

And they used to actually shoot the hippo

The last few times I have had the skipper point the gun and say bang bang or shoo shoo. There are some great skippers and then, well lets just say I hope the wait was not over 30 seconds for their ride.

 

[ratherbeinwdw]

My skipper shot the hippo when I went in April.

Our's shot the hippo in September, but not in June.

 

[Californian Elitist]

The skippers at DL still shoot the hippo. I didn't know they don't shoot the hippo at MK. Interesting...

 

[Britt]

I dont remember shooting of the hippos. To be honest, I dont remember much of anything other then being able to get off my feet and feel a cool breeze coming off the water....LOL

 

[Jimdalva]

Root canal Jungle Style

 

[Mrs. Jobson]

They shot the Hippos Saturday.

 

[jazznrachie]

I always felt that being a Skipper on the Jungle Cruise had to be the absolute worst job at MK. It's amazing they can keep up the enthusiam saying the same cheesy jokes over, and over, and over.

 

[luv]

Jungle Cruise can be a great ride when the employees bother to do a decent job. It can totally suck, too.

Disney needs to start Secret Shopper with this stuff. Some of those Jungle Cruise people are horrid.